Hawley Elementary School

29 Church Hill Road

School District

Newtown
Grade

K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 06, 2024

DO NOT send your child here if there's potential you need an IEP or access to special education resources. My child's behavior was off the charts horrible at this school and the solutions they provided - without parent approval - further reinforced his behavior. We transferred districts and were able to connect with the resources that we needed and recover from our experience at this school. Administration is completely unprofessional and I'm glad to now be in an equivalent district with kinder, more respectful team members.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2022

We moved to this school district during covid and can see why Newtown school district ranks so highly. From the first day of school at Hawley our child felt a sense of comfort and true acceptance. The principal checked on them every day for weeks to be sure they were adjusting well. We received many emails from the teacher letting us know how they were doing. When you come from a district that is not up to standard, you can appreciate all that a good school like Hawley offers.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2021

Hawley was a horrible experience for my child. Constantly being locked in a room and being traumatized on a daily basis. They offered no help or resources for my child who had behavioral issues. Instead forced her out of the school with no regard one month before she was to attend reed. I strongly recommend that parents think twice before sending their to hawley.
Submitted by other on March 24, 2021

The school is below mediocre - some of the teachers are good - others not so good. The principal is a stand up comic part time on weekends and it's clear that he would rather do that then be a principal. If your child needs special resources - DO NOT BELIEVE THEM - when they say that have the best resources - that is absolutely not true! Unfortunately if you live in the "Hawley" district, you cannot switch schools unless you move out of district - per the superintendent. It does not matter if they have totally disrupted your family by forcing a child out of school - YES FORCED OUT of school with 36 hours notice - your other children will be forced to stay there - The building is old, the AC plan that has been on the board for years, keeps getting pushed back so again another year of kids sweltering in the heat. They have minimal space compared to the other schools in the area - Regarding bullying, there has been a child on the bus for 4 years who has bullied the kids on the bus for 4 years - many complaints to the school and bus company - but still no resolution other than changing their seat!
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2019

Hawley is a wonderful school. The teachers are amazing. My kids learned so much and loved going to school.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2013

Each Hawley teacher that my kids have had was chosen well. and we have been pleased with our experience. Our kids were challenged, and their social/emotional needs were met by the teacher engaging us and pointing out specific things at home. I love the principal, Joanne Peters, and hope she does not retire until my kids have moved on. Good computer skills are passed on, and overall, the learning is top notch at Hawley, a gem in town.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2013

It's a great school if you're looking for a babysitter. They are so far behind with academics (math especially) it's just sad. Management loves ambiguity and strongly believes in the saying "information is power". As such, they will not share any information with you (even if it has to do with your own child future). Procrastination is the key to any possible uncomfortable situation that require straight answers. On the positive note, the staff is nice.